Visionary leaders, policymakers, financial institutions and entrepreneurs come together to drive innovation, policy reforms, digital transformation and sustainable industrial growth.

Agra, India: In a remarkable demonstration of collaboration between government, industry and business leadership, the MSME Conclave 2026 emerged as one of North India’s most influential platforms dedicated to strengthening India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Organized under the leadership of the Development Council for Footwear & Leather Industry (DCFLI), functioning under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, with the support of the Ministry of MSME, the conclave was jointly hosted by the Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) and the Corporate Council for Leadership & Awareness (CCLA) at Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra.

The event witnessed the participation of Union Ministers, senior government officials, banking institutions, industry captains, exporters, manufacturers, educators, policy experts and hundreds of entrepreneurs, all united by a common vision—to build a stronger, globally competitive and innovation-driven MSME ecosystem.

MSMEs: The Engine Powering India’s Growth Story

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Law & Justice, emphasized that global competition is reshaping industries faster than ever before.

He observed that in today’s liberalized economy, businesses must continuously innovate, adopt modern technologies and improve productivity to remain competitive in international markets.

Quoting the principle of “Survival of the Fittest,” the Minister encouraged Indian industries to embrace technological transformation, quality enhancement and global standards to unlock new growth opportunities.

Puran Dawar: MSMEs Are the Real Powerhouse of the Indian Economy

In his presidential address, Shri Puran Dawar, Chairman of the Development Council for Footwear & Leather Industry (DCFLI) & CCLA, described the MSME sector as the backbone of India’s economy.

He highlighted that MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, exports, manufacturing and regional economic development.

Encouraging entrepreneurs to think beyond conventional business models, Shri Dawar urged industries to diversify into emerging opportunities, particularly the rapidly growing non-leather footwear sector, while investing in technology, design innovation and product diversification.

He also emphasized that India’s future economic growth depends on empowering MSMEs with stronger policy support, easier access to finance and greater global market integration.

Government Experts Showcase Growth Opportunities

Senior government officials shared valuable insights into various Central and State Government initiatives designed to strengthen MSMEs.

Among the key speakers were:

• Dr. R. K. Bharti, Joint Director, MSME Development Institute
• Anuj Kumar, Joint Commissioner, Industries
• Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India

Their presentations covered:

• Government subsidy schemes
• Credit support programmes
• Financial assistance
• Technology upgradation
• Skill development initiatives
• Industrial infrastructure
• Export promotion
• Business financing opportunities

Entrepreneurs were encouraged to actively leverage these schemes to modernize operations and accelerate business growth.

High-Impact Panel Discussion Focuses on Real Industry Challenges

One of the most engaging sessions of the conclave was the expert panel discussion moderated by Saurabh Manchanda, SME Editor, Zee Business.

The distinguished panel included:

• Shri Puran Dawar
• Dr. R. K. Bharti
• Sanjay Kumar Singh
• Rajat Asthana
• Vijay Sama
• Opinder Singh Lovely
• Nakul Manchanda

The discussion focused on practical solutions for today’s most pressing MSME challenges, including:

• Digital transformation
• Technology adoption
• Cost optimization
• Access to finance
• Export competitiveness
• Skill development
• Sustainable manufacturing
• Government policy reforms
• Market expansion
• Ease of doing business

The panel unanimously agreed that stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry associations, financial institutions and entrepreneurs is essential to creating a globally competitive MSME ecosystem.

Industry Leaders Share Vision for the Future

Several distinguished industry leaders delivered thought-provoking perspectives on the future of Indian manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Their discussions highlighted:

• Innovation as the foundation of competitiveness
• Digital branding and marketing for MSMEs
• Design innovation and product development
• Technical modernization
• Entrepreneurship education
• Women’s participation in industry
• Infrastructure development
• Environmental sustainability
• Policy stability
• Stronger public-private partnerships

The conclave reinforced the importance of aligning industrial policies with ground realities while ensuring long-term support for small and medium enterprises.

Financial Institutions Highlight Business Growth Opportunities

Leading financial institutions and government agencies presented specialized sessions to educate entrepreneurs about available business support mechanisms.

Expert presentations were delivered by representatives from:

• State Bank of India (SME Division)
• SIDBI
• NSIC
• M1 Exchange
• UPCIDA

Participants gained practical insights into credit facilities, working capital solutions, supply-chain financing, industrial infrastructure and government-backed financial assistance.

Honouring Excellence in Industry and Leadership

Recognizing outstanding contributions towards industrial development, entrepreneurship, education and innovation, the conclave honoured several distinguished personalities from diverse sectors.

The felicitation celebrated business leaders who have significantly contributed to strengthening Agra’s industrial ecosystem and promoting sustainable economic development.

Strong Participation Reflects Agra’s Industrial Strength

The conclave witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of leading trade associations, exporters, manufacturers, educational institutions and business organizations across Agra.

The presence of industrial leaders, policymakers, banking professionals and entrepreneurs created an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaborative problem-solving.

The overwhelming participation reflected the city’s growing importance as a manufacturing and entrepreneurial hub.

CCLA: Building Bridges Between Leadership, Industry and Policy

As a co-host of the MSME Conclave 2026, the Corporate Council for Leadership & Awareness (CCLA) once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting leadership, entrepreneurship and industrial development.

CCLA continues to create meaningful platforms where policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, academia and entrepreneurs collaborate to address real business challenges and develop practical solutions for sustainable growth.

The event coordination was efficiently led by Ajay Sharma, General Secretary, CCLA, along with Brajesh Sharma, Avinash Verma, and Sachin Varun, whose dedicated efforts ensured the successful execution of the conclave.

Driving India’s Next Industrial Revolution

The MSME Conclave 2026 concluded with a powerful message: India’s economic future will be shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship, policy support and collaborative leadership.

As India moves towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse, initiatives like the MSME Conclave serve as catalysts for knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and policy dialogue.

By bringing together government, industry and entrepreneurs under one roof, the conclave has reinforced a shared commitment to building a resilient, technology-driven and globally competitive MSME ecosystem.

Through such initiatives, CCLA remains dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening industry, encouraging leadership and contributing to India’s vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.